UPSC Prelims 2021 CSAT Paper II · Q52 of 79 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage – 2 Our cities are extremely vulnerable to climate change because of large concentrations of populations and poor infrastructure. Moreover, population densities are increasing in them but we have not yet developed the systems to address climate change impacts. Our cities contribute to 65 per cent of the GDP, but there are not enough facilities to cater to the needs of the people. It is important to address the issues of air quality, transport, etc., that are vital to identifying sustainable solutions. We need to involve citizens in city planning and create an ecosystem that meets the needs of the people.

Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the passage given above ?

  1. (a) Our cities need to have well-defined administrative set-up with sufficient autonomy.
  2. (b) Ever increasing population densities is a hindrance in our efforts to achieve sustainable development.
  3. (c) To maintain and develop our cities we need to adopt sustainability related interventions. ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) Public-Private Partnership mode of development is the viable long-term solution for the infrastructure and sustainability problems of India.

Why the answer is (c)

• The passage explicitly states that cities are vulnerable to climate change and lack the systems to address these impacts despite high population densities and GDP contribution.

• It highlights the necessity to address critical issues like air quality and transport to identify 'sustainable solutions'.

• The text concludes by emphasizing the need to involve citizens and create an ecosystem that meets people's needs, which implies adopting measures that ensure long-term viability.

• Therefore, the logical inference is that maintaining and developing cities requires adopting sustainability-related interventions to handle the identified vulnerabilities and infrastructure gaps.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Our cities need to have well-defined administrative set-up with sufficient autonomy.
The passage does not mention administrative setups or autonomy, focusing instead on infrastructure, climate impact, and citizen involvement.
(b) Ever increasing population densities is a hindrance in our efforts to achieve sustainable…
While the passage notes increasing population density, it identifies the lack of developed systems and facilities as the primary issue, not density itself as a hindrance to sustainable development.
(d) Public-Private Partnership mode of development is the viable long-term solution for the…
The passage does not discuss Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a solution, but rather emphasizes citizen involvement and creating an ecosystem for sustainable solutions.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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